December birthstones—turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon—are cherished for their beauty and unique qualities. However, with the rise of synthetic and imitation stones in the market, it’s important to know how to identify genuine December birthstones. This guide will help you recognize authentic turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon, ensuring your jewelry is both valuable and true to its origins.
Identifying Genuine Turquoise
Turquoise is prized for its distinctive blue-green color and natural veining or matrix patterns. To spot authentic turquoise:
- Color and Matrix: Genuine turquoise displays uneven veining and a range of blue to green shades. Look for natural matrix patterns rather than uniform or overly perfect coloring.
- Weight and Texture: Turquoise feels lighter than many stones and has a slightly waxy texture. Imitations may feel plastic-like or too heavy if dyed or treated.
- Scratch Test: Turquoise is relatively soft (Mohs hardness 5-6), so it can be scratched with a steel pin or knife. Be cautious—this test should only be done by professionals to avoid damage.
- Price and Source: Authentic turquoise is rarer and more valuable, so suspiciously low prices or unclear sourcing can be red flags.
Recognizing Authentic Tanzanite
Tanzanite is known for its mesmerizing blue to violet hues and trichroic color shift, making it highly distinctive.
- Color Shift: Genuine tanzanite shows different colors (blue, violet, burgundy) when viewed from various angles. Fake stones often lack this depth.
- Clarity and Cut: High-quality tanzanite is transparent with minimal inclusions. Look for well-cut stones that enhance its brilliance.
- Origin Verification: Tanzanite is found only in Tanzania, so certificates or provenance from reputable dealers help confirm authenticity.
- Hardness: Tanzanite is moderately hard (Mohs 6-7), so it should resist light scratches but can chip if handled roughly.
Distinguishing Real Zircon
Zircon is often mistaken for diamond due to its brilliance but has unique identifying features.
- Sparkle and Fire: Zircon has strong brilliance and fire (colorful flashes of light) that can surpass some diamonds. The sparkle is more “fiery” compared to cubic zirconia, which is a synthetic diamond simulant.
- Weight: Zircon is denser than many other gemstones, so it feels heavier for its size.
- Inclusions: Natural zircon may have small inclusions or slight imperfections visible under magnification, while synthetic stones tend to be flawless.
- Heat Sensitivity: Zircon can lose its brilliance if exposed to high heat, so heat-treated stones should be examined carefully.
Additional Tips for Spotting Genuine Birthstones
- Certification: Always ask for certification from a reputable gemological laboratory when purchasing valuable birthstones.
- Reputable Sellers: Buy from trusted jewelers or dealers who guarantee authenticity and offer return policies.
- Professional Appraisal: When in doubt, consult a certified gemologist for expert analysis and verification.
Conclusion
Spotting genuine December birthstones—turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon—requires careful observation of their color, clarity, weight, and origin. Understanding these key characteristics helps ensure you invest in authentic, beautiful gemstones that hold lasting value. Whether buying for yourself or gifting a loved one, knowing how to identify real stones guarantees your December birthstone jewelry sparkles with true brilliance.
